The Pride flag was raised as a “beacon of hope” in front of city hall as Pride Week kicked off on Friday at noon.

The flag-raising at city hall, and another at the University of Calgary, symbolize the start of Pride events and parties around the city that celebrate diversity, inclusion and support for the LGBTQ community.

“It’s a beacon of hope and a place where people can see themselves reflected and that is immensely powerful,” said Amelia Newbert, a transgender and LGBTQ advocate.

When Newbert spoke to the group gathered for the event, she explained why a Pride flag-raising matters to the community.

“Our actions matter. Standing together does matter and for every one of those one-in-two trans youth who are sitting out there … contemplating suicide or can’t reach out to a single person because they think they’re alone and not deserving, or that no one will understand or thinking it doesn’t matter. Raising this flag says it does matter, you matter, you are valid and you are loved. That is why we are here today.”

Amelia Newbert, a transgender and LGBTQ advocate, speaks at City Hall during a flag-raising event to kick off Pride Week.Brendan Miller /
Postmedia

Michelle Robinson, an Indigenous and LGBTQ activist, said society is coming to a time when homophobia, transphobia and racism should no longer be tolerated, which is why she performed a smudging ceremony for the flag and community.

“For me, I’m here to aid and support the LGBTQ2+ community and we should be facilitating as allies in that role to allow that personal expression and happiness because they have to face oppression every single day in many different ways. The least that we can do as allies is to support them in these celebrations,” said Robinson.

As the flag was raised by two Calgary police officers, the group outside city hall cheered with jubilation.

“Over the next 10 days, we hope you find joy, meaning and connection as you engage in the collective stories of our community’s history, our contributions and resilience, and tremendous achievements,” said Shone Thistle, Calgary Pride president.

The University of Calgary also raised a flag on Friday outside the Rozsa Centre. The flag now flying there is unique, called the Progress Pride flag.

The flag incorporates the traditional six-striped rainbow flag, as well as white, pink, light blue, brown, and black stripes in an arrow. The white, pink and light blue represent the transgender community. The brown and black stripes represent people of colour, those living with AIDS, those who’ve died and the stigma surrounding them. The Progress Pride flag was created by American artist Daniel Quasar.

From left, NDP MLA for Calgary Mountain View Kathleen Ganley, Parker Chapel, Executive Director of Calgary Pride, Michelle Robinson and Shone Thistle, Board President of Calgary Pride, pose for a photo at City Hall during a flag-raising event to kick off Pride Week.Brendan Miller /
Postmedia

The list of activities, workshops and lectures planned for Pride Week is long, with events planned throughout the next 10 days.

Parker Chapple, executive director for Calgary Pride, said the group has put attention into curating and expanding racialized programming, so there’s something that appeals to everyone.

“The flag-raising provides an opportunity for us to very visibly acknowledge that this is the beginning of Pride Week, to speak to the importance of Pride Week and connect,” said Chapple. “Through the activities, we want to encourage engagement and connectivity that fosters empathy because that’s what helps move that social compass to align with legislative protections.”

Constables Dyana McElroy and Kim MacDonald pose for a selfie with Maria Lau at City Hall during a flag-raising event to kick off Pride Week. Friday, August 23, 2019. Brendan Miller/PostmediaBrendan Miller/Postmedia

Memorial Park Pride will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Central Memorial Park and Memorial Park Library. From performances by local artists to historical workshops, the Memorial Park Pride promises to be a “multi-generational, inclusive, accessible and educational” two-day event, according to the Pride website.

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